It’s Spurs report card day as team returns home

The All-Star break provided a natural break in the Spurs’ season, roughly two-thirds to its completion.

It is also another timely juncture for a Spurs Nation report card and an explanation for my grades.

Tony Parker – A (A on first card) – He might not have made the All-Star Game, but he’s been the most consistent player for the Spurs so far this season.

Antonio McDyess – A-minus (B-plus on first card) – His game-winning tip against the Lakers is only the crux of his consistent contributions as the team’s bedrock in the post.

George Hill – A-minus (A-minus on first card) – A strong finish might get him consideration as the NBA’s Sixth Man of the Year. So far, he’s provided strong shooting and the closest thing the Spurs have to a defensive stopper.

Gary Neal – A-minus (A-minus on first card) – Still waiting for him to hit the wall in his rookie season. It doesn’t look like it will happen.

DeJuan Blair – A-minus (C on first card) – Sure, his defensive lapses against bigger opponents are maddening. But he has become a double-double machine, producing points and rebounds against most teams.

Tim Duncan – A-minus (A-minus on first card) – His scoring and rebounding are down, but dismiss his contributions to the team at a risk. And he’s started every game this season.

Matt Bonner – B-plus (B-plus on first card) – Despite a frustrating run of injuries, he still stretches defenses as the league’s leading 3-point shooter.

Manu Ginobili – B (A-plus on first card) – His prolonged shooting slump and a nagging run of injuries brought concern and the first switch in the Spurs’ lineup this season. Getting him back on track will be the team’s biggest aim down the stretch.

Richard Jefferson – B (B-plus on first card) – His shooting has cooled off after his blistering start. But he no longer hesitates with an open corner 3-pointer, which shows his transformation in the team’s offense.

Chris Quinn – B (A on first card) – He’s done exactly what Gregg Popovich has asked him, even handling the backup point guard role when Hill was hurt with aplomb.

Steve Novak – B-minus (not with team on first card) – A second 10-day contract attests to his 3-point shooting skills so far.

Tiago Splitter – C (C on first card) – Popovich has been unwilling to play him much and injuries continue to stunt his development. He’ll get a chance down the stretch and his development remains critical during the playoff run.

James Anderson – Incomplete (Incomplete on first card) – He showed little when he came back from his stress fracture and was sent to Austin for conditioning purposes. Still could contribute in the playoffs as a perimeter shooter.

Coaching – A (A on first card) - The most compelling reason for Popovich’s Coach of the Year bid has been the way he’s managed minutes and pushed the team to the best record in the league. And his team has lost back-to-back games only once this season.

I’ll be back when the playoffs begin for the final regular-season report. As always, I’m curious what Spurs Nation thinks about these grades.